“Those who accepted his message were baptized…” -Acts 2:41a
Baptism is often described as an outward sign of an inward change. It is a public testimony that you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Your baptism powerfully proclaims what God has done, and is doing, in your life. In addition, as a follower of Jesus, you are publicly saying that you join with Christians from around the world who are unified by faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, he ascended into heaven. Before leaving, he gave his disciples a command about what do after he left this world. This command is known as the Great Commission.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
The word baptize comes from the Greek verb baptizo, meaning to cover or plunge in water, wash, dip, immerse.